GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — ArtPrize returns Friday, Sept. 18, and the City of Grand Rapids is preparing to welcome more than 1 million visitors over the 16‑day event. This year’s competition features more than 1,100 artists and 1,025 entries — the largest number since 2018 — across 159 venues in five districts, including City Hall, Calder Plaza, the Blue Bridge and Sixth Street Park. ArtPrize 2026 builds on strong momentum from last year, which drew 967,000 visitors and generated

Photo Credit: Keon Gibson Today, 20x-GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, songwriter, producer, and music icon Kirk Franklin releases new single “This Time”featuring GloRilla out now via Uptown Records. Listen HERE. It heralds the arrival of his much-anticipated fourteenth full-length solo album, I Am What I Am, on October 30th. Pre-order/Pre-save HERE. Interpolating Mandrill’s “Children Of The Sun,” joyous and boisterous horns set the tone for the track, and slick handclaps hold t

Eastern Michigan University alumna Ronia Cabansag, now a producer for Michigan Public’s Stateside, was named a finalist for SPJ Detroit’s Young Journalist of the Year honor.

Courtesy Photo: Former Mayor Rosalyn Bliss at the 9/21/26 Mayor’s Grove dedication inside of Riverside Park. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The City of Grand Rapids yesterday celebrated the opening of Mayor’s Grove, a new outdoor classroom at Riverside Park. City leaders, community members, and former Mayors Rosalynn Bliss and George Heartwell joined Mayor David LaGrand for a ribbon‑cutting ceremony held on the lawn just south of the lagoon near the Guild Street entrance. Mayor’s Grov

Courtesy Photo: Gospel Artist Maurice Cain followed his longtime dream of making music to show his love and dedication to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Lansing may be a smaller city, but there is no shortage of talent, creativity and memorable experiences taking place throughout the community. Maurice Cain brought all three together during the official launch celebration for The Maurice Latrall Experience, held at All Nations Church on East Saginaw Street in Lansing. The evenin

Three powerhouse moments from the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards:Tasha Cobbs Leonard- recipient of the Aretha Franklin Icon Award, Kirk Franklin host of the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Award| Kierra Sheard- featured performer. A night celebrating gospel music, legacy, excellence, and the voices that continue to move the culture forward. (CHARLOTTE, NC) August 17, 2026 — The Stellar Gospel Music Awards celebrated its 41st year honoring excellence in gospel music with an unfor

Courtesy Photo: Jamari creates bold portraits that capture beauty to create meaningful connections. Jamari uses her portrait skills as a way to uplift and get others inspired through an artist's vision. Jamari received her BA in Studio Arts with an emphasis in Illustration from Grand Valley State University. Through her business, Jaylei Art, Jamari has been able to expand connections in a variety of ways through the art community. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — When The Chronicle News

ATLANTA, GA) — May 13, 2026 — The Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame (BMEWOF), a first-of-its-kind cultural institution and joint initiative of the Black American Music Association and the Black American Music Foundation, collaboratively announced the ceremony and plans for the Black Music Month Class of 2026 Induction. The Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame (BMEWOF) Crown Jewel of Excellence Black Music Month Class of 2026Induction will be held on Monday, June

Courtesy Photo: Deborah Allen Legal Professional, Owner of Spotlight Lipstick and Creator and Host of “The Spotlight Society Podcast” coming soon! When The Chronicle News first introduced readers to Deborah Allen and Spotlight Lipstick, her message was simple but powerful: beauty has no expiration date. The feature highlighted a woman building a beauty brand with mature women intentionally at the center. Allen was not interested in chasing youth or pretending women become inv

Courtesy Photo: Dr. Terra DeFoe When The Chronicle News first introduced audiences to Dr. Terra DeFoe through its two-part video series, From the Streets to the Suites, her story resonated. It was a story of survival, reinvention, faith and leadership, centered on a woman who refused to allow the circumstances of her beginning to dictate the possibilities of her future. The Chronicle later recognized DeFoe among its 30 Within 30: Women Making History, honoring her leadership

2026 selection, There’s Always This Year by Hanif Abdurraqib, to inspire discussions, events, and a special author visit in Sept. Courtesy Photo: Enjoy an afternoon with author Hanif Abdurraqib. Abdurraqib will discuss his book, There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension, a lyrical, historical, and emotionally rich exploration of what it means to make it, who we think deserves success, the tension between excellence and expectation, and the very notion of role mode

A unique and poignant look at love, loss, and the ties that never quite break. Mid-Michigan’s award-winning professional theatre company, Williamston Theatre, located at 122 S. Putnam Street in downtown Williamston, will present the Michigan Premiere of The One Good Thing Or “Are Ya Patrick Swazye?” by Joe Bravaco. Performancesbegin Thursday, September 24 and run through Sunday, October 25. Tickets are now on sale. For brothers Jamie and Tommy, a morning conversation over e

The legendary singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist leaves behind a legacy built not only through music, but through generosity, literacy and an enduring ability to bring people together. Dolly Parton through the years. From her early days in country music to her rise as an international entertainment icon, actress, philanthropist and creator of Dollywood, Parton built a legacy that stretched far beyond the stage. Her unmistakable style, warmth and talent made her on

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit stands as one of the nation’s leading institutions dedicated to preserving and sharing the history, culture and contributions of African Americans. Image via Flicker DETROIT, Mich. — The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History has spent more than six decades preserving stories that could easily have been ignored, forgotten or erased. Now, one of the nation’s most significant institutions dedicate

CHARLOTTE, N.C.) — July 23, 2026 — The 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awardsprepares to make its highly anticipated return, the 5th Annual Stellar Plus Experience will transform Charlotte into the epicenter of gospel music, faith, culture and entertainment with three immersive days of exclusive events, interactive programming and unforgettable fan experiences. Now in its third year, the Stellar Unplugged Music Experience, presented by Amazon Music in partnership with The R

Courtesy Photo: D. Leon Stokes is an author, speaker, and lifelong learner whose books encourage readers to live with purpose, integrity, and compassion. Drawing from his experiences growing up in Mississippi, moving to Michigan, and building a life rooted in faith and family values, Stokes hopes his work will inspire future generations to lead lives of character and service. Some authors write to entertain readers, while others write to leave a legacy. D. Leon Stokes belongs

(July 22, 2026 – Nashville, TN) – BMIcelebrated the best in Gospel music today at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards held at BMI’s Nashville office. Multiple award-winning artist and songwriter Kierra Sheard received the BMI Impact Award in recognition of her impressive career and impact on the future of gospel music. Sheard was also honored as BMI’s Gospel Songwriter of the Yearin a three-way tie with her brother J Drew Sheard II and Kerry Douglas. BMI’s Gospel

London, 1935. Dull Richard Hannay encounters a woman who claims to be a spy. When she is suddenly murdered, Richard finds himself falsely accused and the focus of a nationwide manhunt led by a mysterious organization called “The 39 Steps.” And the chase is on. Based on the classic 1935 Hitchcock film, this theatrical adaptation is renowned for its ingenious blend of suspense, comedy, and masterful stagecraft. The 39 Steps is a fast-paced, farcical whodunit with four versatile

Acclaimed hip-hop artist 1K Phew releases his highly anticipated album, Any Given Sunday, today. Known for his electrifying delivery and uplifting storytelling, 1K Phew continues to break creative ground with this powerful new project. Any Given Sunday offers a dynamic collection of tracks, pairing infectious beats with authentic, motivational messages. The album reflects 1K Phew’s journey and growth as both an artist and a voice in modern hip-hop, featuring a balance of high

Christian Hip Hop and R&B artist Mike Teezyreleases his highly anticipated new album, CHAMELEON, today - Friday, May 15th. Now available on all digital streaming platforms. The project features the standout singles “Cup of Tea,” “For My Good” featuring Erica Campbell, and “Time 4U” featuring Kierra Sheard. Ahead of the release, Mike Teezy recently surpassed 100 million digital streams across all platforms — a major milestone reflecting both his artistic impact and the growing